buying iphone 5 from cl

[apathy_next2]

I was thinking about getting one from CL. Is there anyway for me to protect myself? For example if they seller sells it to me then reports it stolen what happens to the phone that I have? If the seller is flat out selling me a stolen phone then what? How can I check to see if the phone is still under warranty and for how long?

This assuming im buying a gsm version not cdma.

 

[SAWYER]

If it is reported lost, stolen or insurance damage you are screwed. I would at very minimum get a written receipt with the serial/imei number on it.

 

[miadavies]

Why do that?

 

[apathy_next2]

Is that written receipt worth anything? Can it really prove the sale?

 

[Anonemous]

I was thinking about getting one from CL. Is there anyway for me to protect myself? For example if they seller sells it to me then reports it stolen what happens to the phone that I have? If the seller is flat out selling me a stolen phone then what? How can I check to see if the phone is still under warranty and for how long?

This assuming im buying a gsm version not cdma.

Check the IMEI ID with carrier and do the sale/transfer at a store?

 

[pm]

Yeah, my best advice matches Anonemous's and that is to meet and do it at the store. If the seller isn't willing to do that, then find someone else who is.

 

[ImDonly1]

www.checkesnfree.com allows you to check the blacklist database. Although, I think there are a few instances where the phone won't show up on the website even if it is blocked.

Also won't do anything if they sell you the phone and report it stolen after.

Best is to buy it off ebay or if on CL then get a phone with the box and all accessories so you know it isn't stolen. Also meet at a wireless store of your service and get it activated on the spot.

 

[s44]

If it's GSM, I'd skip Craigslist and buy on a more reputable site (e.g. Swappa).

 

[JAG87]

A seller would not bother reporting it stolen after he gets the money. Even if his morals are rock bottom low, it's not worth his time.

So bring a working SIM card with you, and test the phone when you buy it. That's all you need to do.

You can check warranty on the Apple website by entering the serial number. You should also do that before completing the transaction, so you can see effectively how old the phone is.

 

[ImDonly1]

A seller would not bother reporting it stolen after he gets the money. Even if his morals are rock bottom low, it's not worth his time.

So bring a working SIM card with you, and test the phone when you buy it. That's all you need to do.

You can check warranty on the Apple website by entering the serial number. You should also do that before completing the transaction, so you can see effectively how old the phone is.

You don't think he would sell his phone fur money them file a claim for an insurance claim?

It's possible but I'd say not that common.

 

[MotionMan]

I was thinking about getting one from CL. Is there anyway for me to protect myself? For example if they seller sells it to me then reports it stolen what happens to the phone that I have? If the seller is flat out selling me a stolen phone then what? How can I check to see if the phone is still under warranty and for how long?

This assuming im buying a gsm version not cdma.

If it is too good of a deal, it is probably trouble.
If it is not that good of a deal, you should probably just buy a new one from a carrier or Apple.

I only buy older models of phones from CL, like I got an iPhone 4 from someone who upgraded to a 5 (What would be someone's reasonable excuse for selling a 5?).

MotionMan

 

[Red Storm]

The big thing is to meet at a store and activate on the spot and have written proof. If the seller isn't willing to do that then most likely something is fishy.

What would be someone's reasonable excuse for selling a 5?

They have buyer's remorse after a while and don't like it? They used an upgrade to get it and are selling it for "profit"? They are ditching their mobile plan for something else? Plenty of reasons why.

 

[QueBert]

I have a question, I know Sprint & Verizon blacklist phones for lack of payment. All I can find about the new GSM blacklist is T-Mobile & AT&T blacklist for stolen or lost phones. I haven't read one way or the other if they blacklist due to a person breaching their contract.

 

[s44]

AFAIK T-Mo *only* blacklists if you stop paying for the device on their installment plan; it's apparently quite hard to get them to blacklist an actually stolen phone.

With Uncarrier moving everyone to this sort of setup, I'd stick to Swappa for T-Mo devices. Just too easy to get someone deciding to pocket the money instead of paying the balance off.

 

[ImDonly1]

I have a question, I know Sprint & Verizon blacklist phones for lack of payment. All I can find about the new GSM blacklist is T-Mobile & AT&T blacklist for stolen or lost phones. I haven't read one way or the other if they blacklist due to a person breaching their contract.

They all blacklist phones for non-payment.
You are on contract for 2 years, they give you a free phone and hope to make that cost up later on. You stop paying your monthly balance, phone gets blacklisted.

 

[corkyg]

How do you know that the CL seller is not dealing you a stolen phone in the first place?

 

[QueBert]

They all blacklist phones for non-payment.
You are on contract for 2 years, they give you a free phone and hope to make that cost up later on. You stop paying your monthly balance, phone gets blacklisted.

So basically if I buy a phone and it's not stolen, and he is paying, but 1 year down the road he ends up breaking his contract I'm stuck with a blacklisted phone.

 

[SAWYER]

Att rep told me they will not blacklist for a nonpayment on a balance, only lost/stolen phones

 

[Ashenor]

I bought one a few days after they came out on CL new in the box. I had a issue getting it moved to my line, and luckily was not to far from the buyer and he had to come to the sprint store to get it taken off his wifes line even though it was never activated.

I would suggest meeting at a store and let them swap it, then pay, i did the same with my Note 2 after my iPhone 5 so there is no issues.

 

[ImDonly1]

So basically if I buy a phone and it's not stolen, and he is paying, but 1 year down the road he ends up breaking his contract I'm stuck with a blacklisted phone.

Maybe if they don't pay the ETF?
Not sure how that would work, or would they blacklist the phone the person currently has active?

 

[RossMAN]

Check the IMEI ID with carrier and do the sale/transfer at a store?

Yeah, my best advice matches Anonemous's and that is to meet and do it at the store. If the seller isn't willing to do that, then find someone else who is.

Agreed.

1) Before handing over your cash, you should confirm yourself the IMEI is clean and not lost/stolen.
2) Do the sale at your local AT&T or T-Mobile store to make sure it works, unlocked, whatever.

 

[Spineshank]

I have sold a few phones on CL. Always met at a VZW store and had them confirm the phone was not blacklisted.

 

[zerogear]

Contact them and ask for IMEI number first and check to see if it's blacklisted before you actually buy it. If they refuse, something is shady.

 

[Eug]

If it is too good of a deal, it is probably trouble.

Yeah. I was just looking at a 2010 unibody white MacBook, but it was priced at about $150-$300 below what everyone else was listing theirs at, and the guy seemed anxious to sell. Plus he just wanted to meet in a parking lot.

In the end I said forget it, because it just seemed kinda dodgy, and I'm guessing the thing is hot.

The hot part is less important for functioning of a laptop than it is for a phone though. For a phone, you could be left with a completely unusable one.